Over the last two weeks, Israel has repeatedly attacked Syria – destroying military facilities and occupying territory – in clear violation of the United Nations Charter, which forbids the use of military force against foreign states except in self-defense or with the authorization of the Security Council.

While some countries have condemned Israel, the United States and most others are withholding criticism. They probably fear that if Syria’s weapons are not destroyed, they could fall into the hands of terrorist organizations. Never mind that international law does not allow for such exceptions; it has become another casualty of events.

Israel’s strikes in Syria are hardly an isolated example. The ruins of international law are all around us. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014 and again in 2022, illegally annexed Ukrainian territory, committed atrocities against Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, and now faces accusations of genocide. China has used violence to expand its control over the South China Sea, and it now seems poised to invade Taiwan – an outcome that no one believes will be stopped by international law.

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